Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar

05 Jun 2017 - 8:53

The Peninsula Online

Four Arab countries - Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt - cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and moved to close off access to the Gulf country.

The governments of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt said in statements they will suspend air and sea travel to and from Qatar. Saudi Arabia will shut land crossings with its neighbour, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

Saudi Arabia decided to close all land, sea and airports with Qatar, prevent passage in the territories and Saudi airspace and territorial waters, tweeted Saudi Foreign Ministry. The Ministry also added that Saudi citizens were prohibited from traveling to Qatar. Meanwhile it added that "we reiterate our commitment to provide all the facilities and services to Qatari pilgrims."

Abu Dhabi state-owned Etihad Airways said it will suspend flights to and from Qatar from Tuesday morning. The last flight to Doha will depart at 2:45 on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, along with Bahrain and the U.A.E., gave Qatari diplomats 48 hours to leave.

Meanwhile US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Monday called on Gulf states to stay united and work out their differences after several nations cut diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Yemen's internationally recognized government has also cut relations with Qatar

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